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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8027 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 10, 2024

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Asked by Anonymous - Jun 15, 2024Hindi
Money

I am 67 years I have monthly income 5 to 7 Lac 5 to 10 % increase every year sitting at home doing nothing. I am single with out any liability every thing I have 5 house i own is paid off. Should I warry about any thing.

Ans: It’s fantastic that you’ve built such a strong financial foundation. At 67, having a monthly income of Rs 5 to 7 lakhs, increasing by 5 to 10% annually, is impressive. Owning five houses, all paid off, is a remarkable achievement. Let’s explore whether you should worry about anything and how you can optimize your financial well-being.

Assessing Your Income and Expenses
You have a substantial income stream. Let’s analyze your financial position.

Monthly Income: Rs 5 to 7 lakhs, increasing annually by 5 to 10%.

Expenses: You didn’t mention specific expenses, but we’ll assume they are moderate given your comfortable position.

Ensuring a Comfortable Lifestyle
At this stage, your primary goal should be ensuring a comfortable and worry-free lifestyle. Let’s break down essential aspects to consider.

Emergency Fund
Even with a high income, an emergency fund is crucial. It provides a safety net for unforeseen expenses.

Recommendation: Maintain an emergency fund covering at least one year’s worth of expenses. This should be in a liquid form like a savings account or liquid mutual funds.

Health and Medical Insurance
Healthcare can become a significant expense as you age. It’s essential to have comprehensive health insurance.

Recommendation: Ensure you have a robust health insurance policy that covers various medical needs. Regularly review and update the policy to match your requirements.

Wealth Preservation
With no liabilities and substantial assets, your focus should shift to preserving and growing your wealth. Let’s explore investment options.

Mutual Funds
Mutual funds are a great way to grow your wealth. They offer diversification and professional management.

Types of Mutual Funds
Equity Funds: These invest in stocks and are ideal for long-term growth. They carry higher risk but offer higher returns.

Debt Funds: These invest in bonds and are suitable for short-term goals. They offer stability and lower risk.

Hybrid Funds: These invest in both equities and debt, offering a balanced risk-return profile.

Advantages of Mutual Funds
Diversification: Spread your risk across various assets.

Professional Management: Experts handle your investments.

Liquidity: Easily buy and sell units.

Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs): Invest small amounts regularly, ensuring disciplined savings.

Power of Compounding
Investing in mutual funds harnesses the power of compounding. Over time, your investments grow exponentially. The earlier and longer you invest, the more significant the benefits.

Risk Management
Investing involves risk. Understanding and managing risk is crucial.

Equity Funds: High risk, high return. Suitable for long-term goals.
Debt Funds: Low risk, low return. Suitable for short-term goals.
Hybrid Funds: Medium risk, balanced return. Suitable for moderate risk tolerance.
Diversifying Investments
Diversifying your investments reduces risk and enhances returns. Let’s explore different asset classes.

Equities: Invest in well-managed companies with growth potential.

Debt Instruments: Include bonds and fixed deposits for stability.

Gold: A small allocation to gold can act as a hedge against inflation.

Regular Review and Rebalancing
Regularly review your investment portfolio. Rebalance it to match your changing risk tolerance and financial goals.

Recommendation: Conduct an annual review of your investments. Adjust your portfolio to stay aligned with your objectives.

Estate Planning
With substantial assets, estate planning becomes crucial. Ensure your wealth is transferred smoothly to your chosen beneficiaries.

Key Components of Estate Planning
Will: A legally binding document that outlines how your assets should be distributed.

Trusts: Useful for managing and protecting your assets.

Nomination: Ensure all your financial instruments have updated nominations.

Charitable Giving
If you’re inclined towards philanthropy, consider charitable giving. It not only benefits society but also provides tax benefits.

Recommendation: Allocate a portion of your wealth towards causes you care about. This can be through direct donations or setting up a charitable trust.

Final Insights
At 67, you’re in an excellent financial position with substantial income and assets. Ensuring a comfortable lifestyle, preserving and growing your wealth, and planning for the future are key. Focus on maintaining an emergency fund, having robust health insurance, diversifying investments, and estate planning. Regularly review and adjust your financial plan to stay on track.

Your proactive approach and financial discipline are commendable. Continue making informed decisions to secure a worry-free future.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8027 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Oct 23, 2024

Money
I am 64 Years of age still earning rs 18 LPA living on rent @ 21000pm, should i go to purchase a house of 60 lacs my saving may be 80 Lacs I dont have any further liability me and my wife is there only , Two daughters married. Please advise
Ans: You are 64 years old and still earning Rs. 18 lakhs annually. Living on rent for Rs. 21,000 per month seems manageable. You have savings of Rs. 80 lakhs and no other liabilities. With your two daughters married, you and your wife are financially secure in terms of dependents.

You are considering purchasing a house worth Rs. 60 lakhs. This is a significant decision and requires careful evaluation.

Assessing the Need for Purchasing a House
Renting vs. Owning
You are currently paying Rs. 21,000 monthly in rent, which equals Rs. 2.52 lakhs annually. This is a reasonable amount compared to your income of Rs. 18 lakhs per year. Owning a house, however, will bring additional costs such as property tax, maintenance, and repairs. Let's consider the benefits and drawbacks of buying a house at this stage.

Advantages of Renting:
Flexibility to move if needed.
Lower ongoing financial commitment.
Savings can continue to grow and be invested elsewhere.
Advantages of Owning:
Stability and security of owning your home.
No monthly rent payments.
Potential long-term capital appreciation.
Buying a house would use up a large portion of your savings. It might limit your liquidity and leave you with less cash for emergencies or future needs. At your age, liquidity is crucial for managing unforeseen expenses, especially healthcare-related ones.

Liquidity and Emergency Planning
You and your wife need a financial cushion for healthcare and daily living expenses. Though your earnings are good, retirement could be on the horizon. The Rs. 80 lakhs you have saved should be allocated wisely to provide for your post-retirement years.

Buying a house will deplete Rs. 60 lakhs, leaving only Rs. 20 lakhs for other needs. This may not be sufficient for future healthcare, emergencies, or lifestyle expenses.

Investment Potential
House as an Investment Option
While buying a house may seem like a good investment, it is a less liquid asset. If you need cash in the future, selling property may take time. Property prices also fluctuate based on market conditions. In contrast, keeping your savings liquid in mutual funds, fixed deposits, or other financial instruments can offer flexibility and consistent growth.

A Certified Financial Planner would typically advise against locking up too much of your savings in real estate, especially at this age. It may be better to focus on investments that offer liquidity, safety, and steady returns.

Health Care and Long-Term Planning
As you and your wife age, healthcare costs will likely rise. Keeping a significant portion of your Rs. 80 lakh savings in easily accessible and growth-oriented investments is essential. Healthcare emergencies or long-term care may arise, and selling a house during such times might not be feasible.

Consider enhancing your health insurance coverage if needed. Also, set aside funds in safe, liquid investments that can be accessed easily during emergencies.

Evaluating Your Current Income and Expenses
You are earning Rs. 18 lakhs annually, which gives you good financial stability. Your current rent of Rs. 21,000 per month is reasonable compared to your income. This leaves you with plenty of room for savings and investments.

Buying a house worth Rs. 60 lakhs may disrupt this balance. You will not only lose liquidity but also face additional expenses like property tax, maintenance, and repairs. Renting, on the other hand, provides flexibility without burdening your finances.

Benefits of Actively Managed Funds over Real Estate
If you are considering investing your Rs. 80 lakhs, actively managed mutual funds can provide better returns and more flexibility than real estate. Actively managed funds have the potential to outperform the market, as professional fund managers can adjust the portfolio based on market conditions.

In contrast, real estate is an illiquid investment and can take time to sell if needed. Moreover, real estate prices can stagnate or even decline in certain areas, making it a less attractive investment compared to mutual funds that offer both growth and liquidity.

Disadvantages of Index Funds
Some people prefer index funds for their low fees, but they are not the best option for everyone. Index funds merely replicate the market performance and may not provide significant returns over inflation in the long run. Actively managed funds, on the other hand, can potentially beat the market and give higher returns, making them more suitable for long-term wealth creation.

Disadvantages of Direct Mutual Funds
You may have considered direct mutual funds because of lower expense ratios. However, these funds do not come with expert advice, which is crucial, especially when managing significant retirement savings.

Investing through a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and a Mutual Fund Distributor (MFD) provides access to personalized guidance. A CFP will help you balance your portfolio based on your goals, risk appetite, and time horizon. This can make a big difference in managing your wealth efficiently.

Maintaining Financial Independence
Given your age and the absence of any liabilities, it is vital to maintain your financial independence. Your income is good, but in the coming years, you may want to transition into retirement. Financial independence means having enough liquid assets to cover living expenses, healthcare, and unforeseen emergencies without worrying about market fluctuations.

Locking a large portion of your savings in real estate could compromise your financial independence. In contrast, keeping your savings in a diversified portfolio of liquid investments ensures that you can continue to manage your expenses and live comfortably.

Final Insights
Here are some important points for your situation:

Liquidity: Retain liquidity to cover emergencies, healthcare, and lifestyle expenses.

Renting: Renting at Rs. 21,000 per month is affordable and gives flexibility.

Owning a House: Buying a house may limit your liquidity and increase your financial burden.

Investments: Actively managed mutual funds offer better growth and liquidity than real estate.

Healthcare: Consider enhancing health insurance and setting aside emergency funds.

Long-Term Financial Independence: Focus on investments that provide liquidity and steady growth for retirement.

At this stage of life, maintaining financial flexibility and independence should be the priority. Locking your savings into real estate may not be the best decision.

Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |8027 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jan 28, 2025

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Money
Hello sir I m 32 years old having a son(1) yr and a housewife . I have 4 cr plot 33 lakh mf, 21 lakh fd , no house and no liability. My monthly expense is almost 50k. Should I retire now??
Ans: Your current financial status is impressive and well-established. With a net worth of over Rs 4.54 crore, you have built a strong foundation. However, retiring at the age of 32 requires careful planning and strategic allocation to sustain your long-term goals. Let’s evaluate the feasibility and provide actionable steps.

Key Factors for Early Retirement

Monthly Living Expenses

Your current expenses of Rs 50,000 per month total Rs 6 lakh annually.
Inflation will increase your expenses significantly in the long run.
Life Expectancy and Retirement Period

Assuming a life expectancy of 85 years, you may need to plan for over 50 years.
Your corpus should account for inflation, healthcare, and emergencies.
Existing Assets Breakdown

Rs 4 crore in a plot is a valuable but illiquid asset.
Rs 33 lakh in mutual funds offers growth potential.
Rs 21 lakh in fixed deposits provides stability but lower returns.
Challenges of Relying on Current Corpus

Illiquidity of Plot

A plot does not generate income and cannot be easily liquidated.
It may not contribute to your retirement cash flow needs.
Inflation Impact

Inflation will erode the value of fixed deposits and increase future expenses.
You need growth-oriented investments to combat inflation.
Duration of Retirement

A 50+ year retirement requires sustainable income and a well-diversified portfolio.
Your current portfolio may not generate adequate inflation-adjusted returns.
Steps to Plan for Early Retirement

Reallocate Plot Investment

Consider selling the plot to unlock liquidity and diversify investments.
Use the proceeds to build a balanced portfolio with equity, debt, and other instruments.
Enhance Mutual Fund Allocation

Increase your mutual fund investments in actively managed equity funds.
Equity funds provide long-term growth to sustain retirement goals.
Fixed Deposit Optimisation

Fixed deposits offer limited returns and may not beat inflation.
Shift a portion to debt mutual funds for better post-tax returns and liquidity.
Create a Sustainable Retirement Plan

Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)

Use SWPs from mutual funds to generate a steady monthly income.
This provides cash flow while allowing the corpus to grow.
Build an Emergency Fund

Set aside Rs 10-15 lakh in a liquid fund for unforeseen expenses.
This ensures liquidity without disturbing long-term investments.
Health Insurance

Ensure adequate health insurance coverage of Rs 25-30 lakh.
Rising healthcare costs can impact your retirement corpus.
Inflation-Proof Portfolio

Invest in equity mutual funds for long-term growth.
Maintain a balanced portfolio to manage risk and ensure stability.
Tax-Efficient Investments

Reduce Tax Burden

Choose tax-efficient instruments for wealth preservation.
Equity mutual funds offer favourable taxation compared to fixed deposits.
Plan Withdrawals Strategically

Withdraw funds in a tax-efficient manner to reduce liabilities.
Consult a Certified Financial Planner to optimise withdrawal strategies.
Lifestyle and Expense Management

Review Lifestyle Expenses

Analyse current and future expenses to match your retirement budget.
Prioritise essential expenses while minimising discretionary costs.
Plan for Your Child's Future

Start a dedicated fund for your child’s education and marriage.
Allocate a portion of your mutual fund investments towards these goals.
Create a Will or Estate Plan

Plan your estate to ensure smooth transfer of wealth to your family.
This will secure your child’s future.
Advantages of Actively Managed Mutual Funds

Better Returns than Index Funds

Actively managed funds aim to outperform benchmarks with professional management.
Index funds follow benchmarks and may not adjust to market changes effectively.
Expert Management by Professionals

Fund managers actively rebalance portfolios based on market conditions.
This provides better growth potential compared to passive index funds.
Finally

Early retirement at 32 is ambitious but achievable with proper planning.
Reallocate your assets for better growth and income generation.
Balance liquidity, growth, and stability in your portfolio.
Regularly review your plan and make adjustments as needed.
Best Regards,

K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

..Read more

Latest Questions
Radheshyam

Radheshyam Zanwar  |1236 Answers  |Ask -

MHT-CET, IIT-JEE, NEET-UG Expert - Answered on Feb 22, 2025

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Career
Hi My daughter get 72 percentile in jee mains 1 i dont know what happened to her otherwise she is a good student scored 94% in her 10th boards ..if i will look for some private engineering college in india pls suggest i will go with pune or will look for management quota seat for csc from banglore. Pls suggest preference order of btech college in banglore
Ans: Hello Vandana.
Requesting you not to panic at this early stage. Let her appear for JEE session 2 and the state-level engineering entrance test. Let all the results out. You have ample time to think about the available options for engineering admission. At this stage, no need to think about management quota unless and until you want a particular branch in a particular college. Depending on her score in upcoming exams, she may get admission to reputed engineering either in Pune or Bengaluru
Here are some colleges in Bengaluru: (1) R.V. College of Engineering (RVCE) (2) B.M.S. College of Engineering (BMSCE) (3) M.S. Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) (4) PES University (5) Bangalore Institute of Technology (BIT) (6) Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering (DSCE) (7) Sir M. Visvesvaraya Institute of Technology (SMVIT) (8) BMS Institute of Technology and Management (BMSIT&M) (9) Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT) (10) RNS Institute of Technology (RNSIT)
Suggestion - Don't panic. Keep cool yourself. Ask your daughter to focus more on JEE 2nd attempt and state-level engineering entrance test.

If you are satisfied with the reply, pl follow me or else ask again without hesitation.
Thanks
Radheshyam

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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